Valterri Bottas looks set to remain with Mercedes for 2018.
Bottas only signed a one year contract when he replaced outgoing driver Nico Rosberg, who retired with immediate affect just days after winning the 2016 Formula One World title.
But a new deal could be in the works over that summer shut down.
‘It’s a good time to talk and to think things through, We had some good discussions with Valtteri before Hungary and I’d certainly like to dash over to Asia for the final races with a decision.’ Wolff told Sky Sports.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff was instrumental in signing Valterri Bottas, so he probably more than anyone will be delighted with how successful the Finn has been already this season.
The former Williams driver has won two Grand Prix and remains in contention for the 2017 Formula One World Championship, in striking distance of team-mate Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
He has earned a contract extension with his performances, but just how long will that extension be?
‘The market becomes pretty interesting in 2019 and onwards and you just need to plan ahead what’s happening, I would just like to put the puzzle together, it is not only about 2018. It is about looking forward in 2019 and 2020.’ Wolff told Sky Sports.
In 2018, not only is Fernando Alonso available, but also both Ferrari drivers in Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen.
But from 2019, Hamilton’s contract is also up alongside Red Bull Racing pair Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen.
With that in mind, it’s widely believed in the paddock that Ferrari will maintain Vettel and Raikkonen for 2018.
Mercedes could well do the same for Bottas, leaving all options open for 2019 and beyond.
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